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ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC PARISH
OUR WORSHIP SPACE

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Our Worship Space

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Sanctuary

The sanctuary is the place where the priest and other ministers carry out their duties. It is usually set off from the rest of the Church either by being elevated or by its distinctive design. It should contain very few items other than the altar, ambo, chair, cross and candles. At St. Mary's Parish, the sanctuary area was renovated and expanded several years ago, and more recently it received the slate flooring.

Altar

The altar is the common table of the assembly, a table of sacrifice and a table of banquet. It is also a symbol of the Lord (priest, victim & altar) at which the presiding minister stands and upon which are placed the bread and wine and their vessels and the book. As a symbol of Christ, the altar is venerated with a kiss by the priest and deacon. Traditionally, altars in Catholic Churches were constructed above a saint's tomb, or a relic was placed within the altar itself. This is no longer necessary, although older altars commonly contain relics.

Ambo/Lectern

Whereas the altar is our table of sacrifice and our banquet table, the ambo is our table of the word. It is a privileged place for the Word of God and is reserved for the Readings, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel, Homily, Exsultet (Easter Vigil) and the General Intercessions. Announcements are generally made from a smaller stand elsewhere in the worship space. At St. Mary's announcements are made from the music ministry section.

Presider's Chair

The Presider's Chair is reserved for the Bishop or Priest. It is the place from which all presidential prayers (except the Eucharistic Prayer are proclaimed (e.g. Introductory Rites, Prayer after Communion, Blessing & Dismissal).

At a Lay Led Liturgy, lay presiders do not use the ordained presider's chair. Instead, a simple chair is placed in another location from which the lay presiders can suitably lead the community.

Nave

The assembly is the primary liturgical symbol and assembly seating should be arranged so as to suggest and support a feeling of being together as a community. The seating pattern should enable those assembled to see one another, the presider, and the multiple focal points of liturgical action.

Tabernacle & Sanctuary Lamp

The Tabernacle is the place where we reserve the Blessed Sacrament. The primary function for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament is to provide Viaticum to the sick and the dying. It's secondary purpose is for Adoration and Benediction.

A Sanctuary Lamp (top right in the picture) is always kept burning near the Tabernacle as an indicator of the Reserved Eucharist and as a sign of honour to the Lord.

Cross

The cross is the basic Christian symbol which should be present at every liturgical celebration. It symbolizes the entire Paschal mystery: the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. It represents both Christ's suffering and his victory, and it points to his second coming. During our liturgical celebrations, our processions are led by a Processional Cross, which is placed in the sanctuary.

Music Ministry

The seating arrangement for music ministers should provide the same advantages as those for the assembly. While those involved in this ministry should be seen as part of the one assembly, their location should enable them to play and sing while facing the rest of the assembly. The primary role of the music ministry is to faciliate and encourage the full, conscious and active participation of the entire assembly in the singing.

The New Floor!

What can we say... it's an awesome floor! The carpeting was getting old and stained, and after much consultation and financial figuring, we decided to install a slate floor in the worship space. It's main benefits are: it'll never wear out and it's easier to clean. Plus it adds a certain touch of class to our worship space!